Griddle construction



, Mrch e, 1945. E. A. JONES I 2,370,863

GRIDDLE- CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 29, 1941 4 sheets-sheet 1 March 6,1945.

E. A. JONES GRIDDLE CONSTRUCTION 4 sheets-sheet 5 Filed Aug. 29, 1941-TTOQA/EYS.

March 6, 1945. l E, A JQNES 2,370,863

@111mm CONSTRUCTION Y Filed Aug.v 29, 1941 4 sheetsfsheet 4 i /au/Patented Mar. 6, 1945 UNITED STATES RTENT OFFICE GRIDDL CONSTRUCTIONEdwin A. Jones, Webster Groves, Mo., assigner to 5. MajesticManufacturing Company, St. Louis, M0., a corporation of MissouriApplication August 29; 1941, .Serial No. 408,704 s claims. (c1. ies-4.1)

The present invention relates generally to cooking apparatus and moreparticularly to griddles and the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a griddleincorporating novel heat supply and heat distributing construction.

Another object isto provide a novel griddle including a constructionwhereby the applied heat is retained vwithin an areaadjacent to thecooking plate and in which no cold draftsand the 'like are permitted toinfluence Athe applied heat.

Another object is to provide a novel heat dis'- tributing and cold draftpreventing construction which ilnds particular adaptation tov a griddleor the like. v

Another Objectis' to vprovide a novel griddle incorporating a gas supplyconstruction having a plurality of outlets and a single supply andcontrol.

Another object is to provide a novel griddle including control mechanismbelow heat supplying units. v

Another object is to provide a novel gas-supply construction which findsparticular adaptation to griddles and similar construction. l

Other objects are to provide a. heat distributing and controlconstruction and a gas-supply construction which can be readilymanufactured, which are simple in ultimate embodiment and which' fulfillall of the advantages sought therefor.

Still other objects and advantages'are apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

Fig. 1 is a plan View of a griddle embodying the concepts of the presentinvention, the griddle plate being omitted for purpose of clarityl ofillustration: y

Fig. 2 is a front view of the griddle shown in Fig. 1, certain parts.being broken away for clargity of illustration;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig, 2, the

griddle plate being shown in dotted lines;

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig.. 2; Fig. .5 is a. rearelevation of the griddle shown in Fig. 1;

` Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6--8 of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is an enlargedsection on the line l-'l of. Fis. 4;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section on the -line 8 -8 of Fig. 1; l Fig. 9 isaperspective view of a bracket;

Fig. 10 is a. top view of a portion oi the gass-upply construction;

. dle constructed in accordance with the teachings f- Fig.' 11 is a'section on the une uit l er Fig. 1c; and

Fig. 121s a section on the une iz-l of Fig 1o Referring te the drawingsmore particmany by reference numerals, I5 indicates generally a grid...

of the present invention. The griddle .I5 includes a casing I6 whichbroadly comprises a 'front 'wall fics I'I (Figs. A3 and 4) ,side wallsI3 and -I 9, a 'rear wall 2'0 and a bottom v2|.

The front wall l'I (Figs. 3 and 7) includes an outer plate 24 and aninner 'plate 25 of U-'f-'crosssection.` Betvveer'ithe plates '2li and2'5 vinsulating material 26. A face plate 2'! f the crosssectionshown issecured to the ends of the plates 24 'and 25 by 'volts'welding'or thelike, completing the enclosing of the insulation l2li. 'Spacing members29 are disposed between the face plate a downwardly extending apron 30which is inwardly oli-'set by a portion 3|, which includes a pluralityofA air holes 32. Air holes 33 are in the plate 24 (Fig. 7).

Each of the side walls I8 and I9 (Figs. 4 and 6) includes an outer plate35 and an inner plate 36, the latter being off-set from the former foraportion thereof to 'provide 'a space which receives insulating material31. Each plate 35 includes an upper ilange 38 which extends over theupper end of the respective plate 36 completing the enclosing of theinsulation3l. Each. plate 35 also "includes aiorward end ange 38 and arearward end ange 43.

The rear -wall 20 (Figs. 4 and 7) includes an outer plate 42 and aninner plate 43-between which are spacers 44 of U-cross-section. plate 42has a return flange 45 at each-end, which is secured by nuts and bolts46, or the like, to the ends of the plate ,43 and to the `flanges 40.The plate 43 includes flanges 43'which are secured by bolts, or thelike, to the plates 36. Spaced air holes 49 are located in the plate 43.n The bottom 2| comprises a plate having a front flange 50; side flanges5I andl 52, and a rear flange' 53 (Figs. 6 and 7);- The side flanges 5Iand 52 are secured bybolts, or the like, to the outer plates 35 of theside Walls Iand I9. The 'rear flange 53 is secured by bolts, or thelike, to the plate 43 of the rear wall 20. The lower ends ci the forwardflanges 39 are secured by bolts, or the like, to the front Harige 5U.

A bracket member-.55 (Fig. 7) is secured by welding, or the like. to theinner plate 43 of the rear wail -20 and extendsthe full width of' theplate 43. A bracket member 45t of reverse bend The - cross-section issecured by welding, or the like,

to the inner plate 25 of the front wall |1 and extends across the fullwidth of the plate 25. Four heat radiating insulated units 61, 58, 59and 'B8 (Figs. 4 and 6) are supported on the brackets `55 and 58. Theunit -88 includes a at top plate 6| (Fig. 3) and a bottom plate 62 oflesser overall dimensions which is spaced from the plate 5| by end walls83 and side walls 64, being secured to the aforesaid plate '6| bywelding or the like. Insulating material 66 is disposed between theplates 6| and 82. The plate 6| is cut away at 81 for a purpose to bedescribed. The plate y|| also includes a notch 818 at the forward edge,into which a return edge of the flange 38 extends. Each of the units 51,58 and 59 is substantially the same asthe unit E8, and, therefore,detailed description of each is unnecessary. However, the upper plate8|v of each of the interior units 58 and 59 has a cut away portion 61 ateach side edge. It is clear from Fig. 4 that the adjacent edges of theplates 8| of units 51, 58, 59 and `68 are in contiguous relationshipalong the segments not affected by the Cut away portions 61.

A return bracket member 18 is secured to the inner plate 43 of the rearwall 28 above the bracket member 55 and extends across the full width ofthe plate 43. The bracket member 18 includes an up-turned portion 1|which is out away at spaced points 89 (Fig. l). An elongated bracketmember 12 of right angle cross section, and an elongated bracket member13 of the cross section shown are secured together and to an upwardlyextending portion 14 of the outer plate 24 of the front wall I1 byscrews 15 (Figs. 7 and 8.). The member 12 is also supported at its endsby angle brackets 18, bolted or otherwise secured to the side walls I8and I9. The member 12 has spaced notches 18 in its horizontal portion(Fig. 8) said notches 1-8 in opposed relationship to substantially thecenter points of the cut away portions 69 of the bracket member 18.Elongated plates 88, 8| and 82 (Fig. 1) have their rearwardly disposedends extending through the cut away portions 69 of the bracket member 18to rest upon the bracket member 18, and include at the forward endscrews. 83 which are disposed in the notches 18, the forward ends of theplates 88, 8| and -82 resting on the horizontal portion of the bracketmember 12.- Each of the plates 88, 8| and 82 is disposed over an'openingdefined by adjacent cut away portions 81 of contiguous units as 51, '58,59 and 68.

It will also be observed that the bracket member 13 cooperates with theflanges 38 to provide a support for a griddle plate 34.

Three Aspaced angle brackets 85 are secured to the plate 43 of the rearwall 28, beneath the angie member 55, each having in its horizontalportion a notch B6. A bracket member 81 is secured to the deepinner'portion of the return bracket member 56, and extends across thewidth of the front wall |1 to nd support upon angle brackets 88 boltedor otherwise secured to the side .walls |18 and I9. A multiple outletburner 89 has elongated burner outlet members 98, 9| and 92 supported bythe angle brackets 85 and the bracket member 81. Each burner member 98,9| and 92 includes a vertical rear portion 93 (Fig. 7) and a horizontalportion 94 at each side thereof, the rear portion 93 extending through anotch 86 and the horizontal portions 94 resting on the horizontalportion of a bracket 85. Each burner member 98, '9| and 92 also inciudesat each forward end a depending portion 9B which is secured by a bolt 91to an angle bracket 98, which, in turn, rests on the horizontal portionof the bracket member 81. Each burner member 98, 9| and 92 extendsthrough an opening defined by adjacent cut away portions 61 of the unitsI5l, 58, 59 and 68 (Figs. 4 and 6).

Each burner member 98, 9| and 92 has an elongated chamber |88 from whichthe gas ports |8| lead (Fig. 6). Each of the burner members 98 and 92includes a hub |83 (Figs. 6 and 18), and the burner member 9| a hub |84.A gas pipe segment connects the hub |83 of the burner-member 98 and thehub |84 of burner member 9|. Similarly, a gas pipe segment |86 connectsthe hub |84 of the burner member 9| and the hub |83 of the burner member92. The free end of each hub |83 is closed by a suitable plug |81. Asingle fuel receiving and air inject'-v ing Venturi tube H8 is disposedbeneath the burner member 8| and communicates at its rearward end withthe hub |84 thereof (Fig. 11).

A gas supply pipe |I2 extends through the rear Wall 28 to a positionunder the forward end H3 of the tube H8. The Supply pipe ||.2^communiCates with a thermostat control unit H4, which is, in turn, connected tothe forward endA ||3 of the tube H8. A cut off valve (not shown) isconnected to a shaft |28 manually actuable by a knob 12|. The unit ||4includes an automatic thermal valve |22 which extends through the frontwall |1 and which can be manually set to function at a desiredtemperature. An adjust`v able air inlet |23 is located at the forwardend lloithetubell.

A heat chamber |25 is formed above the units 51, 58, 59 and 88 and anair chamber therebelow. The thermostat control unit |l4 is within theair chamber |26.

Operation The construction of the several elements of the presentgriddle l5, particularly those elements which carry out the teachings ofthe present invention, is clear from the foregoing description takenwith the accompanying drawings.

However, attention is directed to the fact that the burner members 98,9| and 92 substantially occupy the spaces between contiguous units 51,58, 59 and 68 formed by opposed cut away por-v tions 61 (Figs. 4 and 6).Hence, the heat chamber |25 is formed, the bottom of which is defined bythe units 51, 58, 59 and 68 with the burner members 98, 9| and 92 andthe top of which is defined by the lower heat receiving surface of thegriddle plate `34. No substantial amount of uncontrolled cold air canpass into this chamber |25.

Each of the units 51, 58, 59 and 68 includes the insulating material 68throughout the major portion thereof both to prevent the escape of heatand to keep oui/undesired cold air.

Contributing towards even distribution of the heat supplied over theheat receiving surface of the griddle plate 34 are the plates '88, 8|and 82, which are disposedabove the ports |8I of the burner members 98,9| and 92 (Figs. l and 6).

The names from the ports 8| are directed toward the lower surface of theplates 88, 8| and 82 so there is no direct radiation from the flames tothe heat receiving surface of the griddle plate 34. This combined withthe aforesaid functions of the units 51, 58, 59 and 68 eliminates "hotspots in the griddle plate 34 and gives an even temperature to the wholearea thereof.

Hence, the heat applied to the heat receiving surface of the griddlemais s4 is eveniy distrit-y uted, and there is no change in thetemperature wththe single thermostat control H4 provides simplicity andconsistency of supplied heat. The

human element is thereby eliminated.

In view of the presence of the air chamber IZB, the thermostat controlunit H4 is disposed directly beneath the heat chamber |25. More vairthan is required for combustion passes through the front air holes 32,33 and the rear air holes 49, keeping the temperature of the air chamberIZB suiliciently low for the control unit H4. This novel constructionsaves space and lends superior control.

It is manifest that there has been provided a novel combination ofelements to obtain an evenly heated griddle plate. It is also manifestthat the several sub-combinations thereof are novel with the applicant.Palpably, the novel combination and sub-combinations shown and describedfulilll all of the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the elements shown may be changed within thescope of the invention as to configuration, material, and the like. Forexample, the thermostat control unit i4 may be omitted.

It is also to be understood that the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and exampleand not for purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by theclaims which follow.

I claim:A

1. Cooking apparatus comprising a casing, a heat receiving membersupported adjacent the top of the casing, a plurality'of burner membersdisposed Within the casing 'and beneath and spaced from the heatreceiving member, means vdisposed adjacent to the burner membersproviding with the burner members means closing oi the space thereabovefrom the space therebeneath and forming the lower boundary of a heatchamber, said` members `adjacent the burner members including heatradiating surfaces, and means disposed between the burner members andthe heat receiving memberto receive the direct bers', ysaid l'plates andthe heat radiating surfaces of the means disposed adjacent the burnermer bers combining lto evenly distribute heat ytothe heat receivingmember.

3. 'Cooking apparatus ccmprisinga casingfa cooking plate supportedadjacentto the top/of the casing, burner members in the casing spacedfrom the plate, insulated units across the casing disposed adjacent theburner members and having openings therein substantially coextensivewith the burners, and forming therewith thebottom of a heat chamber, asecond chamber below 'said insulated units and the burner members. and aheatresponsive gas control unit in said second chamber, said secondchamber being pro-- videdwith inlet openings for atmospheric air at oneend thereof and so located that air A"forcembustion. passes through saidsecond chamber t0 maintain a relatively low temperature therein and thento said burners.

4. In a device of the kind described, a casing providing'front, back,and side wal1s,va horieffect of flames from the burner members, saidheat receiving member supported adjacent theA top of the casing, aplurality of burner members disposed within the casing and beneath andspaced from the heat receiving member, said burner members beingcontrolled by a single unit as to supplied fuel, means disposed adjacentto the burner members providing with the burner 'members means closingolf the space thereabo-ve from the spacetherebeneath and forming thelower boundary of a heat chamber, said members adjacent the burnermembers having radiating surfaces and heat receiving plates to receivethe direct effect. of flames from the burner mem- `zontal partitionacross said casing, said partition having aperture means therein, burnermeans projecting into sa'id aperture means and substantially closing thesame, baille plate means disposed above the burner means and shaped toreceive the direct heat thereof, `and a separate I imperfora'te griddleplate disposed above the baffle plate means and partitions, said side,front, and back walls, with said partition and burner means, and saidgriddle, forming an enclosure comprising a, heat chamber, said bailleplate means being of a size substantially smaller than the griddle toprovide [free spaces around it to the' griddle that are loffset from theburner means, and thusv to provide relatively free ow of air currentswithin the heating chamber.

5. In a device of the kind described, a casing providing front, back,and side walls, a horizontal partition across said casing, saidpartition having openings therein, burners projecting into said openingsand substantially closing the same, said burners bein'g spaced over theIarea of said partition, baille plates disposed above the-burners andshaped to receive the direct heat thereof. and a separate imperforategriddle plate clisposedabove the baille plates, said side, front, and.

back Walls, with said partition and burners, and said griddle, formingan enclosure comprising a lheat chamber, said casing having an air spaceY below saidpartition, mixing means for the burn` ers disposed in saidair space, said mixing means comprising an air and fuel mixer and amanifold leading therefrom to the severalv burners.

6. In acooking device, a casing having a front, a rear, and sides, apartition thereacross having spaced slots running transversely thereof,said partition being insulated between said slots, a plurality ofelongated burners, one in each slot and substantially filling the same,a plurality of elongated baille plates, one above each burner ,and ofasize to receive the direct heat thereof and to deflect a, part ofit,said baille plates being spaced apart to admit passage of heat aroundthe sides thereof, and an imperforate griddle above the baille platesextending across the casing.

7. In a cooking device, a casing having front, rear, and side walls,ledges across the frontand rear walls, a, plurality of partition unitsofa length to extend from one ledge to the other, said units beingsupported on the ledges, and having combined widths equal to the spacebeltweenthe side walls, whereby said units may be inserted from above toform a complete partiaway to form a plurality of slots extending betweenthe front and rear thereof, a plurality of burners, one in each slot andsubstantially coextensive therewith, means supporting said burnersbeneaththe units to project into the slots, `an imperforate griddlemember over the burners, and with the walls or the casing, the partitionunits, and the burners forming a heating chamber, and means to providean air flow passage into the chamber.

8. In a cooking device, a casing having front, rear, and side walls,ledges across the front and rear Walls, a plurality of partition unitsof a length to extend from one ledge to the other,

said units -being supported on said ledges, and having combined widthsequal to the space betion, at -leasi-, some of said'partitions being cuttween the side walls, whereby said units may be inserted from aboveV toform a complete partition, 'at least some of said partitions being cutaway to [form a plurality of slots extending between the frontland rearthereof, a plurality of burners, one in each slot and substantiallycoextensive therewith, means supporting said burners beneath the unitsto project into the slots, an imperforate griddle member over theburners, and with the walls of the casing, the partition units, and theburners forming a heating lchamber, and means to provide an air flowpassage into the chamber, and baille means `comprising plates extendingfrom the front to the rear of the casing, above each burner, below thegriddle.

EDWIN A. JONES.

